A system and method for managing private records and other confidential information is provided, including a patient interface that allows patients to configure privileges for various parties to access various private records or portions thereof. A database can be accessed via a privacy engine, which respects the configured privileges and allows searching for private records. A plurality of user interfaces is provided to allow records managers, patients, and interested parties to access selected private information. A clinical trials interface allows limited access to a private records database for interested parties to identify germane clinical trials and research studies. A recruitment interface allows conductors of research studies to access private records to locate appropriate research subjects.